Michael Penix on shootout win over USC: 'Every win is special'

The Washington Huskies and star quarterback Michael Penix, Jr have been one of the most consistent teams in college football over the past two years under Kalen DeBoer. On Saturday night under the lights against the USC Trojans, the Huskies delivered in an absolute classic, prevailing 52-42.

The USC defense simply couldn’t find any answers for Washington’s prolific offensive attack, led by Penix. and running back Dillon Johnson.

After the game, the dynamic duo spoke with ESPN’s Holly Rowe on the field after the game.

How balanced was the offense on Saturday night?

“Man, it was crazy. We knew all week. We knew the work that we needed to put in and we did it all week, man. The offensive line did a heck of a job all week long. Making sure that we’re gonna finish. Making sure that we’re gonna finish and making sure that we’re gonna get DJ [Dillon Johnson] out. Making these big time plays, man. For us to come out here and execute and do it today, it’s a great feeling,” Penix said.

Washington quarterback Michael Penix put on a great show on Saturday night, completing 22 of 30 passes for 256 passing yards, while tossing in two touchdowns with one interception. As a runner, he also tacked on a touchdown.

He made of the most spectacular plays of the night when he rolled to his left, then fired an absolute dart on the run to Devin Culp. Penix threw a hissing spiral on the run from the 28-yard line, perfectly placed in the side of the end zone, where Culp caught it for the touchdown. It was one of his prettiest throws of the season.

Did the offense feel any pressure to come out and score every time in such a high-scoring affair?

“Oh, it’s no pressure. I mean, we knew what was gonna happen when we first came out here. We knew it was gonna be a back-and-forth game. We just had to come out with the W,” Dillon Johnson said.

Dillon Johnson had a career-night on Saturday night, ripping off 256 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 26 carries. He also had the final rushing touchdown to put the game away for the Huskies and stretch their lead to 10 points in the final few minutes.

How special of a win is it for the Huskies to win in such a difficult environment and keep their undefeated record?

“Man, every win is special. I mean, this is a great football team that we just played. We’ve been doing a lot of great things but like I said, I believe in us. Our motto is us vs. us. That’s why we come in every day trying to get better. We’re just trying to get better. It’s just a special win…” Penix continued.

The Washington Huskies remain unbeaten and in contention for a College Football Playoff spot, but they’ll have some very stiff tests coming up against Utah and Oregon State.